A new by-law amending Quebec’s immigration regulations came into effect on November 23, 2023, and introduced new changes in Quebec Immigration policy.
These changes, outlined in the Gazette officielle du Québec on November 8, focus on economic immigration and the requirement for applicants to speak French.
Read on to learn more about these changes in Quebec immigration, and how they may impact you.
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New Language Requirements for Economic Immigrants
Now, if you want to be selected under the economic immigration program in Quebec, you must speak French.
The province has introduced a mandatory French language requirement for those applying under the economic immigration program.
Economic Immigration Initiatives
These changes in Quebec immigration aim to address labor shortages, stimulate economic growth, and reinforce the French language’s vitality.
Educational Criteria for the Québec Experience Program
From November 23, 2024, the Québec Experience Program-Graduate Component will see new educational requirements.
Requirement: Completion of a program of study in Québec in French or at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary education in French.
Qualified Worker Selection Program (QWSP)
On November 29, 2024, the Qualified Worker Selection Program (QWSP) will replace the Regular Skilled Worker Program.
If you want more details about these changes in Quebec Immigration, check out the official links below:
- Hiring a foreign worker – Applying for validation of a permanent job offer (in French only)
- International Student Program – Required authorizations
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (in French only)
- Québec Experience Program
- Pilot program for orderlies
- Pilot program for food processing workers
- Artificial intelligence, information technology and visual effects pilot program
- Regular Skilled Worker Program
- Family reunification – Welcoming and integration of the person you sponsor
New Rules In Quebec Immigration
Additionally, the Gazette officielle du Québec released three ministerial orders guiding the management of applications submitted under the permanent immigration pilot programs:
Effective from November 23rd, 2023, to December 31st, 2024, the following Quebec immigration streams will be open and accept applications:
- Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in food processing (600 application cap);
- Permanent immigration pilot program for orderlies (600 application cap); and
- Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors (700 application cap).
While these Quebec immigration programs open and close application submissions periodically, all three are expected to conclude indefinitely on Jan 1st, 2026.
Family Sponsorship Update
Starting November 23rd, if you’re sponsoring someone aged 18-55 to immigrate to Quebec with your family, you need to fill out and sign a plan.
This plan ensures you’re helping the person you’re sponsoring get ready for Quebec Immigration, use public services, adapt to the community, and learn French.
Quebec Immigration Targets for 2023-2025
The Quebec Immigration plan aims to admit 39,800 to 45,150 people under its selection authority in 2023. This includes 33,800 to 38,200 qualified workers, 1,100 to 1,500 business immigrants, and up to 100 candidates in the other economic immigration programs.
Economic immigrants are expected to make up 65% of total admissions in 2023.
Here’s a breakdown of the numbers:
New Programs and Initiatives
Several new programs and initiatives have been introduced to manage the flow and integration of immigrants in Quebec:
- Qualified Worker Selection Program (QWSP): Set to replace the Regular Skilled Worker Program on November 29, 2024.
- Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs: These include programs for food processing workers, orderlies, and sectors like AI, IT, and visual effects.
